Reina: I wanted to make a fresh start
Pepe Reina today spoke candidly about the turning point that helped him feel fresher, lighter and ready to rediscover the kind of form which made him one of the world's top goalkeepers.
The Spain custodian missed seven matches with a hamstring injury in October and November, but has kept four clean sheets in seven outings since returning against Wigan Athletic last month.
Indeed, last week Brendan Rodgers spoke of his delight at Reina's form and claimed the No.25's best years were still ahead of him - and the 'keeper is optimistic his manager's prediction will be proved correct.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "I'm on the way to my best. I was a little bit upset with myself [earlier in the season] and it was a time to show a bit of commitment and get a fresh start from zero - and that's what I've tried to do. I feel fresher, I feel lighter and I am ready for more.
"Hopefully [my best years are still ahead of me]. People say goalkeepers reach their best in their 30s, and I am 30 right now, so hopefully my golden days are still waiting for me."
Rodgers also highlighted the extra hours Reina has been putting in on the Melwood training pitches.
Asked about the additional work he's been doing, the 30-year-old replied: "I'll just keep it to myself, but it was just trying to work as hard as I could and be as professional as I could - but the rest of my teammates have been doing exactly the same as me."
Despite the plaudits, Reina believes it is a combined effort that has culminated in Liverpool's increased defensive solidarity.
"It's down to the defensive performance, collectively," he explained. "We are all together in that in making those improvements.
"I've always said a good team is built from the back and this is no different. There's no doubt that the more clean sheets we keep, the better it'll be for the team."
Meanwhile, Reina believes Liverpool's decision to hand Brad Jones a new long-term contract was fully justified.
The Australian stopper deputised impressively for the Reds' first-choice 'keeper and put pen to paper on the deal at Melwood on Thursday.
"It's absolutely deserved," said Reina. "He's been great for this football club. Whether he was playing or not, he was always very, very professional and he definitely deserves it. I congratulate him and I am happy for him.
"He was outstanding [when he played]. He was very composed, mature and brave at times. He was a reliable goalkeeper and he is going to be like that for a long time. He is going to keep me on my toes, which is good."